Home Sweet Home REDUCED TO ONLY $425K!

Lake House on 3 + wooded acres is Love At First Sight!  Gorgeous 2400 (approx) SF 2 story home professionally landscaped & wrapped in blooming shrubs, plants, flowers that attract tons of butterflies and birds. Towering native post oak trees surround home.  Dry creek bed w/urns & water features, flagstone & gravel paths around home from 40X8 front covd porch to 40X10 covd back porch.  20X10 attached wood deck @ back + 20X10 upstairs balcony w/fantastic views of property, pond, creek, Lake Limestone and incredibly beautiful sunsets.  

The outside was cleaned & stained (2007) a Honey Blond color that blends beautifully with the green shutters & green metal roof. Inside was painted in 06 a warm tone Autumn Blond. Very spacious rooms, master br. down,  2 bedrooms up each have private vanities & shared bath w/tub & sep. shower.  Bedrooms up are 20X18 with 9x8 closets.  Master has a computer nook.  Lots of windows offer  great views of property. Master bath has a separate shower and raised claw footed tub that is perfect for soaking. Kitchen is open to Dining rm & Den & has an area designed to keep all small appliances out of sight. REDUCED TO $425,000.

One acre completely on lake with 245’ waterfront that was bulk headed in 2006.  Has a green metal roof that matches house (roof on house new 2007).  Long pier out to boat house that has 2 jet ski lifts, 1 boat lift, slide, outdoor shower, double sinks with hot water & fish cleaning station. 8X10 storage room features a serve through window to deck, fridge, ceil. Fan and 2 other windows. Local artist Kathy Dunn hand painted a 4’ white Egret on the front of the boathouse, commissioned by owner.  There are tons of White Egrets, Pelicans, Giant Blue Herons and birds galore in this area of Texas.

Built for entertaining the covered deck is 40 X 30 + a sundeck/fishing area 14 X 12.  This area of Lake Limestone is clear of trees & stumps so no worries about letting the kids loose on the jet skis.  The water under the boathouse is deep (normally around 7’) and has water to launch boat & play when other areas of the lake are down & some have no water under their boathouse, we still had 4+’.  Great fishing lake for bass and clear water for a TX lake. 

The 1 acre (approx) pond, + creek and land around is community property, so it feels much larger than 3 acres, and very private. The pond has tons of fish, water lilies, and the deer like to come here to drink in the mornings & evenings, along with all the other wildlife…this place is a Nature Lovers Heaven!. There is a wooden bridge over the creek and we left part of the creek completely natural for wildlife. 

Located only 2 hours north of Houston, 2 1/2 hours from Katy TX, south of Dallas, and one hour east of Waco, make this a perfect week-end home or retirement home.  It is so peaceful, quite and beautiful you will never want to leave!  Owners are selling everything with the home, including all furniture (most new in 2005), flat screen TV, freezer, fridge, washer, dryer, basically everything down to the dishes & linens.   Also for sale is a Craftsman riding mower, Polaris 330 ATV 4X4, 21 ft Carolina Skiff boat & Jet Ski. Big Creek East has deed restrictions, and is a nice small area of the Lake with only 9-10 home sites. . So all you need to do is load up the family, pets, some P.J.S, a toothbrush and you’re HOME! 

"Owner is a licensed Realtor in the state of Texas' Liz Carter & Team Realty www.lizcarter.com to see call Bill @ 281-392-9004"

My IT guy is pure genies when it comes to computers...wish I knew a 1/1000 of what he does.  Since my computer knowledge on a scale of 1-10, I'm about a 2.  Needles to say Richard also has a lot of patience, he would have to in order to help me while I'm leaning over his shoulder asking questions, while hes trying to fix my last screw up.  But he is always kind, and soft spoken and tells me it's OK to go into the administrative, settings of my computer, that's how I will learn.  He know he is close and can get to me quickly if I mess up too much. Richard also takes care of my Network and the 10 computers attached to if for my co. Liz Carter & Team Realty in Katy TX.

Bill told me about this Conficker worm and I thought it was an April Fools jock...no, no, no...it's the real deal.  I wanted to share some things I got from my IT Geek to explain, and let you know some things you can do to protect yourself, your business.  Since now days when the computer is down everything else is down, and no work seems to get done.  I stated selling home in Houston, Katy, TX in 1976, we were upset if our carbon paper was missing from a contact...no faxes, no cell phones, and certainly no Computer/ Internet.  I need to write a blog on how I sold real estate in Houston, and Katy Texas in prehistoric days

What does the Conficker worm do?                     

The Conficker worm has created secure infrastructure for cybercrime. The worm allows its creators to remotely install software on infected machines. What will that software do? We don’t know. Most likely the worm will be used to create a botnet that will be rented out to criminals who want to send SPAM, steal IDs and direct users to online scams and phishing sites.

The Conficker worm mostly spreads across networks. If it finds a vulnerable computer, it turns off the automatic backup service, deletes previous restore points, disables many security services, blocks access to a number of security web sites and opens infected machines to receive additional programs from the malware’s creator. The worm then tries to spread itself to other computers on the same network.

How does the worm infect a computer?

The Downadup worm tries to take advantage of a problem with Windows (a vulnerability) called MS08-067 to quietly install itself. Users who automatically receive updates from Microsoft are already protected from this. The worm also tries to spread by copying itself into shared folders on networks and by infecting USB devices such as memory sticks.

Who is at risk?

Users whose computers are not configured to receive patches and updates from Microsoft and who are not running an up to date antivirus product are most at risk. Users who do not have a genuine version of Windows from Microsoft are most at risk since pirated system usually cannot get Microsoft updates and patches.

What to do if you are infected

If you are reading this page, your computer is probably not infected with Conficker as the worm blocks access to most security web sites.

If you have a computer that is infected, you will need to use an uninfected computer to download a specialized Conficker removal tool from. The tool is available here. 

"Symantec is making the following software tool available on a complimentary basis to assist you."

Advice to Stay Safe from the Downadup Worm:  Let's let good win over the evil computer hacker!

1. Run a good security suite (we are partial to Norton Internet Security 2009 and Norton 360 Version 3.0).
2. Keep your computer updated with the latest patches. If you don’t know how to do this, have someone help you set your system to update itself.
3. Don’t use “free” security scans that pop up on many web sites. All too often these are fake, using scare tactics to try to get you to purchase their “full” service. In many cases these are actually infecting you while they run. There is reason to believe that the creators of the Conficker worm are associated with some of these fake security products.
4. Turn off the “autorun” feature that will automatically run programs found on memory sticks and other USB devices.
5. Be smart with your passwords. This includes

1. Change your passwords periodically
2. Use complex passwords – no simple names or words, use special characters and numbers
3. Using a separate, longer password for each site that has sensitive personal information or access to your bank accounts or credit cards.

Now that my Hero Richard has come to my rescue again...tomorrow at Liz Carter & Team Realty in Katy TX will be a "normal" computer running, office full of folks who want to buy or sell Real Estate!  Or it could be an April Fools joke after all!  Either way I'm ready and hope this helps you too.

Now I just have to think of a great April Fools day prank to play on Brad, oh yes that would be fun!  Too bad I'm not closer or you would be in trouble Mr. Wonderful Brad.  L

Looking forward to hearing about the great April Fool's jokes.

I'd really like to know where the name came from, does anyone know?  If you do please pass it on.  In Houston, and Katy TX were I live we buy cartons of this wonderful little bugs every year.  They are perfect to let loose in your garden, landscaping, and just around the grass.  They eat the bad bugs that eat you plants & flowers, so they do a really good job for us and are cute at the same time.  The up-close with just the Lady Bug was taken at night on my patio furniture (it's white).  You should water the area you are going to release them in, and release them at dusk to increase your chances of having them hang out at your place rather than going to the neighbors yard to eat their pesky bugs.  The other was during the day waling, still can't believe I saw it....these little ladies are small! GO GREEN with Lady Bugs...good bugs for your gardens.

Tomorrow I'll show you another great shot of a friendly "GOOD" bug you need in your garden...it's not as cute as these prettlyprettly little lady bugs!

Photos property of Liz Carter

Oh by the way don't forget me if you have moreingmoreing to the Katy, Houston TX area. I promise to take very special care of them!  www.lizcarter.com

When you find out you have touched the lives of others in a positive way it is such a FEEL GOOD moment 

Sometimes you never know when you have had an impact on someone and when you find out you have, it just gives me the warm fuzzes.  I have always loved helping, mentoring and encouraging other Realtors and people in general.  Over the last 33 years most of my impact has been on other agents, since I have been in this crazy, exciting business of helping people buy and sell homes in the Katy TX, greater Houston area for so long.

Often you might go a long time (or never) without knowing that someone has benefited, learned or been inspired from something you said or did, maybe even many years ago.  Recently my partner and great niece Sandie, came over after an MCE class.  In talking about our company, business, life in general, Sandie off handily mentioned, "Oh by the way, one of the other Realtors in the class said to tell you hello.  She said you were her inspiration to get into and stay in Real Estate and really wanted to say "Thank You"!  Sandie did not realize how wonderful that made me feel, or maybe she did.  When she realized the extent of what it meant to me, she said, "Aunt Liz I hear it all the time you have helped a lot of people".  Wow, pretty cool, you just never know when your path will cross with someone you can help or that can help you.

The old saying about "When the pupil is ready the teacher will appear" is oh so true.  So remember to spread the love, make someone feel great today, make someone smile today, give someone encouragement today...it takes so little and it can mean so much.  It also will come back to you ten fold, it certainly has for me...especially here on Active Rain!

Then I received this e-mail today,

Hi Liz,

My name iBernier Bernier and I am a newly licensed agent and a new member of the MFO 2 on 1 coaching(1st goal is to be upgraded to 1 on 1 ASAP). I have heard about you mentioned many times in different MFO recorded events and just read your active rain Blog. You are very inspiring and I just wanted to thank you. Have a great year and I'll see you at the top and hopefully we can meet at a future MFO event in the future.
                                                                                        

Best Regards,

Bernier

Bernier                    

Keyes

The Keyes Company REALTORS

10091 NW 1 Court

Plantation Fl, 33324

www.keyes.com/Derek.Bernier

 "Your Realtor For Life" 

Office -954-475-9813

Cell – 954-850-7284

A rose after a gentle shower

Photo courtesy of Liz Carter

Taken at my lake house after a rain, located on Lake Limestone...you can see the lake vaguely in the background and the raindrops on the rose and the foliage.

The Rose has been loved throughout time, inspiring poetry and songs to be written about it's beauty.

Most notably was;

"Shakespeare's A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

My Dear friend Jason ,

I finally figured out how you do it and just had to "share" , the devil made me do this of course.  It came to me in a blinding flash of the obvious. After our recent phone call during my last trip to my second home.  St. Luke's Hospital in the Medical Center of Houston TX.  You have cloned yourself, and it looks like at a young age.  I was in the hospital a week this time with only phenomena, so felt good enough to engage my brain!

You were kind enough to call and check up-on me for the latest state of my mental and physical, body & soul condition.  As always it was such a joy talking to you and I happened to look at the time we spent on the phone...23 minutes.  Now just by it's self not your style, you were also preparing dinner for the kids and Pam while talking to me.  Another one of you set off to write the post updating our active rain friends about my latest hospital stay this past week with this post:  Please Pray for My Friend (and Fellow ActiveRain) Liz Carter ,

Another Jason was talking to Pam and planning out all your social, family matters.  Mainly getting ready for that new baby girl.  While another Jason was down at the church helping every way you could.  Then another Jason tail spin out to make sure your thriving Austin TX Real Estate office and agents needed anything.  I'm sure another of my "Jason's" was dreaming up a new song contest for AR, and writing tutorials for all us ACTIVE RAIN DUMMIES.  Still another Jason was starting his new book....hey Active Rain for Dummies is not a bad title if you want to do one about your experiences here (I get royalty rights for coming up with the name).

So let me here it from the rest of our AR friends, "How does Jason Crouch do it" , what do you think his secret is?   With everything you do not cut corners either, always  giving 100% of yourself.  Your post have a huge following for a reason, you my friend are great and take to heart everything you do...it shows.  You take the time to listen and offer encouragement to anyone in need with such soul searching sweetness.. You got me enough prayers and well wishes there is just NO WAY I now will have smooth sailing for a long time.  I truly have been uplifted and feel very blessed by the outpouring of concern, help, encouragement, but mostly the friendships of my Active Rain Family.. 

So which ever Jason Crouch was on the phone with Liz Carter, his friend and fellow Realtor in Katy TX, God Bless you my friend Jason. Keep rocking on, Liz

""Life is good" when people care!

Please join us this October at any of our 2008 Life is good® Pumpkin Festivals for a day of good old- fashioned fun with pumpkin carving, face painting, great food, amazing music, and lots of games for kids and adults.

By giving a donation or volunteering your time, you will be helping kids in need. All proceeds from the festivals go to the Life is good Kid's Foundation, a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization that helps children facing unfair chalenges

several years ago Newland Communities formed a "Life is good" charity event to raise funds for kinds in need.  Event proceeds go to the Life is good Kids foundation benefiting HomeAid and Project Joy.

Again this year Newland Communities, one of the most decriminating and largest houseing Develorpers in the U.S.is putting on their Pumpkin Festival.  Newland has developed some of the most premire subdivisions in the Katy, Texas area.  Starting with the world renowned master planned community Cicno Ranch. 

We are family

My first post after being off AR for so long...I hardly know where to start...I have so many  to thank!  I'll be doing another one some to name so of the most loyal friends I have here on the Rain, but wanted to just say how much ALL of you mean to me.  This would be the perfect place to put the song, "We Are Family", however my main computer is in the shop.  Plus I'm still getting used to all the changes on AR, WOW!  Just when I was getting to where everything was, I'm gone for a couple of months and they changed everything without consulting me!!!  That's just wrong :).

I wish I could just wave a majic wand and take us all here for a few weeks of group hugs & thanks!

One thing that has not changed is the beautiful people here on active rain!  When I started reading all the notes, comments, card, and encouragement everyone left me on Judis' post, and on my post (Money Doesn't Grow On Trees...Does It?), that Marchel wrote a post to direct everyone too.  Well I'm glad no one was here seeing me laugh and cry to my computer, they might have locked me up for good!  It was so wonderful to know after all the time I was gone you did not forget me.  There were many prayers said for me as well, and they worked. My friends in the Rain you are the best second family in the world to me.

 Thank you is not the right thing to say but will have to do for now...Thank you all it meant the world to me.  Marchel was tireless in her efforts to update everyone, keep our group up to speed, call me at the hospitals, she even went in and answered some of the comments to my posts. Judi also wrote a post that messages were left on also and called to check on me several times.  There literally were hundreds of messages, I think Dale left one everyday :).  After 29 days in the hospital it sure was nice to read them all.  You guys are INCREDIBLE, and kind beyond words!

My Texas Real Estate group was in very capable hands...another thanks to Marchel for that too.  We are now over 500 members and rank # 21 out th thouslands of groups now on AR.  Time for another contest?  Let me know what you would like to base our contest on and I'll get started right away!  Maybe "Best Hospital in your town"? ...I have a great entry for that as well as the "Worst Hospital", but we want to stay positive, right?

The Friendship Ball was rolled to me so I need to get busy on that one, it will be a long list.  Thanks again for everything and I'll be by to visit everyone soon.  Love Liz

Just because Jason is a highly successful Real Estate broker in Austin, TX, one of the top-notch bloggers on Active Rain with a huge following, (I know he managed to post 10 blogs on AR during the party...but I can't prove it, yet!) plus it also happened to be the day before his 38^thbirthday, but that does not give him the right to rob me (Liz Carter, Real Estate broker in Katy, TX, (and not one of the top bloggers on Active Rain) of a month of my precious time. I inflicted severe mental anguish on myself during this time also.  I mean who does Jason think he is?  Jason is a big hearted bear of a man, with a quick & remarkable sense of humor, an avid reader and blogger of quality post, kind, good natured, willing to help everyone, faithful servant, honest, caring and so much more.  Jason is a good man, a loving son, husband, father (of soon to be four great kids) and my friend.  So I forgive myself for going so NUTS on this "Slide Show"...you deserved better though...oops I forgot, I forgive myself.

However I felt I had to bring to your attention the "dark side of Jason", he gets to know people, really know them so you are at his mercy.  He cares and gives so much that you want to return the favor.  We met on Active Rain, and we got to know one another, so he knows my strengths and weaknesses and can use me with his clever ways.  So I have spent the last month, and untold hours trying to make a presentable slide show of the Active Rain gathering/Birthday Party he so graciously arranged, hosted and paid for in August at the County Line restaurant in Austin TX. It was a big hit, TX Bloggers, friends,some special clients & his family were on hand. See Jason knows I'm compulsive, obsessive, over the top, out of control, type AAA personality, and I HAD to make a GREAT slide show of our Austin get together for him.

After putting together at least two dozen slide shows in different programs I have managed to turn out a  less than"GREAT" slide show. It is passable at best and might be the worst one I've ever done, although some of the captions. are pretty funny. table all by himself :) AT LAST, my mediocre attempt at creating something very special for, My Special Friend Jason Crouch.

I hope you enjoyed it, and please NO COMMENTS on the misspelled words in the captions...I know they are there, OK! Laugh & Enjoy.  It has been brutal for me, but I'll spare you the gory details...unless you really want to hear some funny, dumb things I did during this "slide show fiasco".  The picture of lady on road is kinda how I felt after attempting 10-12 Maybe I'll do a post on it later...much latter :-)

PS...A FEW OTHER FACTORS (besides my inept computer skills, and obsessive need to have it perfect), FOR THE DELAY OF THIS POST;  Hurricane Ike decided to pay us on the Gulf Coast at Galveston a little visit, Houston, Katy, & Spring all get the brunt of storms in our area.  We had over TWO MILLION+ PEOPLE WITHOUT POWER for weeks, and some still have none!  Then some very nasty little devil bacteria bugs decided to make my lungs there permanent residence.  They moved in 3 ½ weeks ago, and for the last week have been here at the hospital with me.  They must really like me, the doctors at St. Luke's in the Medical Center of Houston (one of the finest in the world), have been hitting them with everything short of a nuke bomb (I nixed that idea).  I'm hoping to get sprung tomorrow or the next day, and they are not coming back to my home with me!  There is just not enough room in there for me and all of them, they are nasty roommates plus they have NOT PAID ANY RENT...so they're outta here by gosh. UPDATE; i JUST GOT SPRUNG...at home, yes it feels great!  I've really missed Active Rain, and my friends here.

Jason, my friend you are the best and congratulations to you and Pam on the upcoming birth of your 4^th child, Liz

Another glitch posting....I get not ever get the spacing on my embedded code sized to put the slide show where I wanted it (PAR FOR THE COURSE ON THIS PROJECT :), so HERE IT IS AT LAST!

Cinco Ranch Ladies Club introduces its 2008-2009 board

2008/09 CRLC Board Members  

Missing From Photo... Melvin Townsend; Advertising, Hilary Sellars; Activities and Linda Johnson, VP of Programs,

Left to Right, Susie Stamm; Secretary, Carol Ann Hamm; Parliamentarian, Cheryl Castagno; Publications, Sarah Rothbauer; Treasurer, Robin Garcia; VP of Socials, Yudith Videos; Membership, Pam Rapp; President

These wonderful ladies work very hard all you to make sure YOU have fun and feel welcomed with open arms

The Cinco Ranch Ladies Club Hold Annual RUSH Night on August 26, 2008 at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch

Highlights from Rush Night which is held each August to kick off the year

The ladies all enjoyed Ice Cream Social & Cupcakes , Baskin Robbins on Mason Rd & Cupcakes provided by Cupcake Central.  They especially enjoyed the "Pink Limo" that was a blast to get in and take pictures, this is a locally owned limo by two ladies who live right here in Katy.  You can contact them for rental information at http://prettypinklimos.com/home.html, this was a hoot for everyone! The ladies all enjoyed visiting all the club tables that were available for them to visit and join for the upcoming year.  They were able to sign-up for the Movie Club, Bible Study, Creative Kitchen, Wine Club, Parents Club, Quilting Club and many more.  We also had on had the Make a Wish Foundation to talk with the ladies about the upcoming golf outing that will be held at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch on October 3, 2008, they are looking for players and sponsorships to help support the Make a Wish Foundation. 

 They also had on had members from Carries Heart there to speak about the upcoming Halloween event that will take place on October 31^st at La Cantera the Cinco Ranch Ladies Club will partner to offer a "Fun House".  They also had on hand from Special Pals to talk about the event that will take place at the LaCenterra that the Ladies Club will partner with to offer a Mardi Gras party this year to benefit the animals.  They also had members from the Susan G. Komen organization to speak about the spring walk/run that the Cinco Ranch Ladies Club will we working on with them for April 09'. 

The Cinco Ranch Ladies Club is also planning a "Rock the Runway" to benefit Brain Cancer Luncheon for Saturday, November 6, 2008 at Pine Forest Country Club to help benefit one of Katy's very own families the "Baker Family" the fashions will be provided by J. Barton &  Joseph A. Banks.  They are also working on many fun activities for their regular monthly meetings at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch that meets on the last Tuesday, of the month at 7:00 p.m. for socializing and 7:30 p.m. for their meeting.  They have planned for this month September 30^than indulgence night for the ladies. 

If you would like more information on joining the Cinco Ranch Ladies Club please contact Membership Director 'Yudith Videos' at yrvides@comcast.net or for Sponsorship or Advertising Information: Contact: President, Pamela Rapp at pam@ido-weddings.com  

Planned for our General Meeting  September 29th - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! Join us for an exciting, fun filled event as we celebrate INDULGENCE NIGHT! We have on tap indulgence stations, something for everyone! A spa station, personal trainer, Bath Junkie, a chocolate vendor, airbrush makeup artist, chocolate fountain vendor and many more surprises.

Planed for  October 27th - Back by popular demand...............The Firemen! Of course, this is all for a good cause the calendars will be on sale to benefit the burned and crippled children.  In addition we will be having a self-defense demonstration for all the ladies. We should all know how to protect and defend ourselves, this is a valuable tool, let's all learn together!  We can't wait for the rest of the year and we are so excited to see so many new faces!

As a charter member of CRLC I would also be happy to assist you with information about this great, active ladies club...don't let the ladies part turn you off since we are a very relaxed, close, fun, spirited group.  One of the reasons we have been so successful.  You can come to the meetings in anything from jeans to a business suit if you are coming straight from work.  I was also the historian for 10+ years, served on the board many times, and am a past president of the Cinco Ranch Ladies Club.  You can contact me, Liz Carter, via my web site www.lizcarter.com, or my cell is 713-824-9044.  Of course you can also reach me via my blog site, www.activerain.com/blogs/carterhomes. 

As a local Realtor in this area since 1978 and living in Cinco Ranch since it was first started in 1990, the CRLC has been a strong selling feature to many of my clients buying a home in Cinco Ranch.  You can meet people of any age group at the club and form  an instant support group and friends.  Moving from within the Katy area or from around the world, CRLC is the perfect spot to make you feel right at home. 

Look forward to hearing from anyone interested in the Cinco Ranch Ladies Club and to meeting you, Liz Carter

                "Your Real Estate Resource For Life"

             1-800-7834041 or 281-391-SOLD (7653)

Trust your Cinco Ranch home buying or home selling to the most experienced Realtor in Katy, TX!  32 years selling real estate in the greater Houston-Katy TX areas.  We listen, we care,we're friendly, we are family, and we know the market and can give you the best advice in the industry!